B.C. long weekend travellers urged to be mindful of ongoing wildfire situation

With many travelling within B.C. to mark the final long weekend of the summer, officials are urging people to take extra care amid the ongoing wildfire season.

The BC Wildfire Service says it is “anticipating increased fire behaviour on a number of incidents in the Northwest and Prince George fire centres due to a wind event” through to Saturday.

#BCWildfire is anticipating increased fire behaviour on a number of incidents in the Northwest and Prince George fire centres due to a wind event beginning tonight through Saturday. This combined with hot and dry conditions will lead to significant rates of spread. pic.twitter.com/Q3Zo7sZ0ZT

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) September 1, 2023

Wind warnings are in place for those two regions, with the province saying “strong and gusty westerly or southwesterly winds” are moving in from the Yukon.

With conditions as dry and hot as they have been, the service warns this “will lead to significant rates of spread” of fires in these parts.

“Individuals in the vicinity of existing wildfires are encouraged to stay alert and aware of the current wildfire situation as wildfires are dynamic and conditions may change rapidly,” the province said in the advisory posted Thursday.

The B.C. government is reminding travellers to follow fire bans and restrictions, and to keep up to date on evacuation orders, alerts, and BC Parks closures. Signs of a wildfire can be reported through the BC Wildfire App, at 1-800-663-5555, or *5555 on a cell.

Know before you go: Road closures, conditions

Travellers are also being asked to avoid visiting communities affected by the many wildfires burning, and are also reminded to check road conditions before they head out.

“Obviously, this weekend, traffic is going to pick up,” explained Steve Sirett, who is the executive director for the Southern Interior region with the Ministry of Transportation.

“As we’ve learned in this province, things can change very quickly when it comes to highway road conditions. The best thing drivers can do before they leave and even if it’s a longer trip, is regularly checking DriveBC for updates, because as soon as we know of closures, they immediately go on DriveBC to advise motorists.”

#TravelSafe this long weekend.

✔️ Pack a grab-&-go bag in your vehicle: https://t.co/hmi6WPY1Ut

???? Check @BCGovFireInfo for current wildfire conditions

???? Follow @EmergencyInfoBC for emergency notifications

???? Plan your route with @DriveBC & @TranBC pic.twitter.com/t0DboigPeq

— Prepared BC (@PreparedBC) September 1, 2023

He says the majority of B.C.’s highways are open. However, there are some notable closures, including Highway 97, which remains shut just north of Summerland due to a rockslide.

Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield says, despite this, his community is ready to welcome visitors, noting there are alternate routes available.

“Penticton’s open for business. We’ve got hotels here, we have rooms available, we’ve got restaurants, we have spaces available. Businesses are open and eager to see tourists here,” he said.

“Travelling to get here, you take Highway 3 — the Hope-Princeton — it’s a nice, scenic route. Enjoy your drive.”

Related articles: 

• Highway between Penticton, Kelowna still closed by rockslide

• Two key fires in Okanagan, B.C., are under control, but winds pose challenge to north

• Campfire ban rescinded in southeastern B.C.

The province says traffic on Highway 1 and the Coquihalla could also see delays due to construction work.

Anyone taking a forest service road as a detour around highway closures, including Highway 97, is being told to be prepared and drive carefully.

“The most important thing is getting to where you’re going to, not in a hurry,” said Sirett.

“Make sure you have good tires, have some water and some food in the car, a whole tank of gas, and really just take your time.”

Sirett says the ministry is working to maintain these routes as best as it can, adding crews are monitoring these roads and have signage up to help get people where they need to go.